Team Kinetix supported by Witham

Over the past 18 months we’ve seen a number of businesses like Team Kinetix struggle with the financial impact of lockdown where, even though doors were closed and no money was coming in, bills still needed to be paid.

 

Team Kinetix, who opened the Kinetic Academy in 2018 in Witham, are a team of Parkour Practitioners, Physical Performers, Freerunners and Acrobats who have been supplying parkour performance on an international level for a number of years now.

CommunityAd caught up with Brad Wendes, founder and director of Team Kinetix since 2008, to talk about how the last year and a half has impacted Team Kinetix and his thoughts on a fundraiser that raised over £8,300 for the academy, which only recently reopened in April 2021.

Brad explains that the last year and a half have been a difficult time to say the least, with his ‘god sent’ team of staff helping him keep his sanity throughout it all, providing immeasurable help wherever it’s needed; from Julie handling general admin to the coaches, weekend assistants and apprentices all doing their part.

Back in March 2020 the Academy had to close its doors and it was unable to trade and Brad made the decision to freeze customer memberships; meaning the academy had zero income. Although government grants and furlough were helpful, they only covered just under 50% of what was required to pay the bills and stay afloat and the team returned to a debt of over £40,000.

Talking about the reopening Brad told us: “It felt great to be able to reopen. During the lockdown in early 2021 I struggled a great deal being stuck indoors with the future completely uncertain.

“I love coaching, I love our classes, I love the Academy that took literal blood, sweat and tears to build. It would be devastating if we ever had to stop. I was anxious to reopen, making sure everyone was safe and also making enough money to pay the bills and start chipping away at the rent arrears.

“All other worries went out the window when we opened the doors and started coaching again, seeing all those happy and active kids enjoying themselves made all the stress worthwhile.”

 

A fundraiser on behalf of Team Kinetix has raised over £8,350, how helpful have these donations been to Team Kinetix?

“Starting the GoFundMe was tough, I never wanted to beg or to ask for money for nothing. I had to swallow my pride and set it up as I didn’t know what else we could do to avoid closing. I was blown away by the kindness of our members and the wider public.

“The money raised went to our landlord and paid the rent for two full months while we were getting back on our feet. I cannot express my thanks enough to all those who donated or shared the campaign and helped us weather the storm.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, your kind donations have allowed us to stay open and helped pay the rent at a time when we had no idea what was going to happen.”

 

There’s never been a more vital time to support local businesses such as Team Kinetix – to find out more make your way over to their website or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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